Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 1: Army today foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Karnah area of Kupwara district of North Kashmir while massive searches were launched against infiltrating militants along the LoC at several places.
A senior security force officer said that army personnel deployed along the LoC noticed movement of heavily armed militants trying to infiltrate into Indian territory near the Eagle Post in Safar forest area of Karnah this morning.
There was exchange of fire between the troops and militants for nearly an hour but no casualties have been reported so far. The Army has launched massive searches in the area against the militant group.
Sources said that 6-7 militants were spotted inside the Indian territory this morning and Army’s 26 Rajput and 4-Para launched searches in the area. One AK-47 rifle, 90 AK rounds of ammunition and 3 magazines were recovered during the searches so far.
Army has also launched searches against the militants in Zunreshi forest area near Chowkibal in Kupwara so that the infiltrated militant group may be tracked here.
Massive searches have also been launched in Nowgam sector in Leppa Valley of Kupwara against the infiltrating militants. Army’s 29-RR, 18 RR and Para-commandos have launched searches in Upper reaches of Varnow Lolab in Kupwara against the militants. The army has also launched searches in Lacchipora area of Uri in Baramulla district.
Army’s 32-RR and Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Rafiabad, today conducted searches in Dangiwachha area of Baramulla after they received tip off about presence of a militant in the village. However, the operation was called off later.
In South Kashmir’s Rampur village in Qoimoh area of Kulgam, police and Army launched search operation this afternoon after reports about presence of two militants of LeT in the area. Residents pelted stones on the security forces who cordoned off the village and security forces fired in air to disperse the protesters. Reports said that the militants managed to escape. The operation was later called off.
A civilian was critically injured after a bullet hit his head as it pierced through face of a police officer in a militant attack in Pakherpora area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police, Abdul Rashid and a civilian Muhammad Ayoub, who is chairman of Pakharpora Tata Sumo Stand were wounded in the attack. The injured were shifted to Sub-District Hospital Charar-i-Sharief for treatment and later to Srinagar.
Senior Police and Army officers reached the spot and searches were launched against the militants responsible for the attack.
Militant tonight attacked a security forces camp at Litter area of Pulwama district of South Kashmir in which three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured.
Sources said two motorcycle-borne militants first lobbed a grenade inside joint camp of CRPF’s 182 Battalion and Special Operation of Police (SOG) at Litter and then opened indiscriminate fire. The fire was retaliated by security forces. However, five CRPF men sustained splinter injuries and were hospitalised for treatment, Superintendent of Police, Pulwama, Rayees Bhat told Excelsior.
The militants after exchanging fire briefly with security forces fled from the spot after which massive searches were launched by army, SOG and Police at Litter, Chakoora, Liloora and adjoining areas to nab the gunmen.
Soon after the attack, additional reinforcements arrived at Litter. Sources said youths attacked a contingent of CRPF at Tahab which was on way to Litter. The CRPF men opened fire in air to disperse the mob but no one was injured.
The search operation continued till late hours at Litter but no one was arrested or detained by forces when this report was being filed. At Bonur in Pulwama, army troops opened fire after noticing suspicious movement outside their camp.
Meanwhile, at least two dozen persons were hurt as massive stone-throwing clashes rocked Old City here and at Kupwara after Friday prayers.
Soon after the Friday prayers were over, hundreds of youths staged protests outside Jamia Masjid here in Old City and raised slogans.
The protesters later pelted stones on police and paramilitary security forces, ensuing clashes between the two sides which continued for several hours. Police retaliated by lobbing teargas shells and pellet firing. Four protesters were reported to be injured.
In North Kashmir’s Kupwara Town, people mostly youth took to streets and staged protests against the police for arresting youth in the locality from past couple of days after Friday prayers.
The protesters were demanding to release the youth before Eid. During the protest, youth pelted stones on police which was retaliated with teargas by security forces.
During the clashes, nearly 20 youth sustained injuries with forces in several areas while several youth were also arrested during the clashes in the area.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
